The Royals’ gambit to retain outfielder Carlos Peguero paid off on Wednesday afternoon. He cleared waivers and received an assignment to Class AAA Omaha.

The team had designated Peguero for assignment on March 25 to make room for the addition of waiver claim Patrick Schuster, a left-handed pitcher. But Schuster was merely a prop for the team’s attempt to slip Peguero through waivers.

By removing Peguero from the roster, the team placed him in limbo for a 10-day period. During that time, the 40-man rosters across Major League Baseball filled up, which made it easier to keep Peguero around.

Peguero, 27, posted an .859 on-base plus slugging percentage during three seasons in Class AAA with Seattle’s Tacoma affiliate. The Royals acquired him for cash considerations before spring training began.